Simon Cowell on 'X Factor' USA: 'Some people are dying for me to fail'

Simon Cowell has compared the pressure surrounding the X Factor launch to going on a rollercoaster.

The music executive will launch his brand new singing show with a four-hour premiere across two nights beginning this evening at 8/7c on Fox.

Speaking to Matt Lauer on NBC's Today about the launch, he said: "It's literally like going on a rollercoaster. You know it's going to be quite rough but you'll have a good time. There are so many people dying for you to fail..."

Lauer then interjected to ask Cowell if he believes some people do want X Factor to fail, to which the music mogul replied: "You will see the most ginormous fireworks displays in LA if this show bombs!"

As for what he would say to people who wanted the show to fail, Cowell said: "Personally, I don't think it will but as I always say, watch the show and make your own mind up."

In a separate interview with Piers Morgan Tonight, the judge admitted that the X Factor launch is probably "the biggest moment" in his career.

"I kind of knew what I was getting involved in before we did this but you're never quite prepared for it," he said. "The week before, the night before, it's kind of terrifying but I like it."

Cowell added to Morgan: "The show has its own personality... I've been quite cautious about saying to people how they are going to feel about it and what is different because I want them to work it out for themselves. You have to discover this show."

X Factor auditions were open to individual singers and groups from the age of 12 years old upwards, with Cowell saying in previous interviews that contestants in their 80s were among those who turned up.

Cowell and fellow judges Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and LA Reid will each be given a different category to mentor - boys, girls, the overs or groups - throughout the live shows, with the ultimate prize being a $5 million recording contract.